Tires: valve
Free remedy
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2021 Mazda3 and CX-30 vehicles. Air may suddenly leak from the tire air valve.
Research · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
2021 Mazda CX-30Recalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 101 owner complaints for the 2021 Mazda CX-30. Most complaints involve engine (49) and electrical system (14). The EPA rates it 25–28 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Combined MPG
25–28mpg
EPA · 5 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
2campaigns
Latest Feb 2021
Owner complaints
101
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$2,200est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
2 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN
Structure: hatchback
Free remedy
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2020-2021 CX-30 vehicles. When fully opened, the power liftgate may partially lower unexpectedly when the vehicle is parked facing uphill on a slope.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 11, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
101 complaints filed with NHTSA · May 2021 – Sep 2026
- Engine49
- Electrical system14
- Forward collision avoidance12
- Visibility/wiper9
- Power train8
- Vehicle speed control8
- Service brakes6
- Visibility3
- Air bags3
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Engine
49 reports
“While driving, on approach to a stop signal, at an intersection the car stopped moving. The display said engine malfunction, have inspected. The electronics and engine continued to operate, but the car would not move when gas pedal was depressed. I shut off and restarted my vehicle numerous times, with no effect on the problem, the car still would not move. The vehicle behind me had to brake unexpectedly, and I could have been hit by others in the intersection, there could have been an accident.(I put car in neutral and the driver behind me, pushed my vehicle, manually, out of the intersection) AAA towed vehicle to the dealer I purchased it from, they were unable to reproduce the problem or retrieve codes to identify problem.( AAA did something under the hood before towing and I was able to drive vehicle to nearby parking lot to be towed) No other inspection has been conducted. Over prior week I noted intermittent engine revving while driving for very brief seconds and this occurred just prior to the incident that resulted in the inability to move the vehicle.”
Electrical system
14 reports
“For the past 2 years there has been a severe parasitic battery drain issue that drains that battery partially or in some cases completely ruins new batteries. Car has spent a cumulative total of 3 months with a dealer trying to find the source. 5 batteries in 2 years and often times need to jump start the car. Car has been at dealer dozens of times and they have been unable to resolve issue. In looking online many others with same problems”
Forward collision avoidance
12 reports4 crashes
“On June 3rd, 2026, about 1:15 PM, I braked in the rain because there was a stopped car in front of me. The brakes did not work; the Automatic Emergency brakes did not work; the Forward Collision Warning did not work and I hit the car in front of me causing a 3 car accident. As I hit the car I saw the Forward Collision Warning come on and then go out. Unfortunately, the brakes worked after that and the Mazda Collision Center cannot find anything wrong with the brakes. I note that the 2022 and 2023 models of the same car did have recalls related to the brakes. The claim is still open and I have not yet received the final damage report. Yesterday I was told the revised estimate is $16,000 and my car and the middle care with front and rear and damage are considered totaled.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 11, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
5 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl · 2.5L 4-cyl turbo
- Transmissions
- Automatic (S6)
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive · 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CX-30 2WD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, SIDI · Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 33 | 28 | $2,200 | 313 |
| CX-30 2WD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, SIDI; With Cylinder Deactivation · Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 33 | 28 | $2,200 | 319 |
| CX-30 4WD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, SIDI · 4-Wheel Drive | 24 | 31 | 26 | $2,400 | 334 |
| CX-30 4WD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, SIDI; With Cylinder Deactivation · 4-Wheel Drive | 24 | 31 | 26 | $2,400 | 341 |
| CX-30 4WD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo, SIDI · 4-Wheel Drive | 22 | 30 | 25 | $2,500 | 353 |
- 28mpg comb.
- 28mpg comb.
- 26mpg comb.
- 26mpg comb.
- 25mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
2 tested variants
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5Mazda CX-30 SUV AWD
- Frontal crash
- 5 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 14.7%
Overall
5 / 5
Mazda CX-30 SUV FWD
- Frontal crash
- 5 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 15.5%
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2021 CX-30 questions
How many recalls does the 2021 Mazda CX-30 have?
2 safety recalls as of Nov 11, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
What are the most common 2021 Mazda CX-30 problems?
Owners filed 101 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (49), electrical system (14), forward collision avoidance (12). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2021 Mazda CX-30 get?
The EPA rates the 2021 Mazda CX-30 at 25–28 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (5 versions rated).
How safe is the 2021 Mazda CX-30?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2021 Mazda CX-30 5 out of 5 stars overall.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 11, 2026